In many instances, cops will know if you have an ignition interlock device (IID) in your car. Arizona maintains records of drivers who are subject to an IID requirement. Meanwhile, if a police officer pulls you over when you’re driving, they may see the device during your traffic stop.
The Suzuki Law Offices team can help if the police arrest you for driving under the influence (DUI) after an IID has been installed in your car. Our DUI defense lawyers in Phoenix can learn about your criminal charge and, if warranted, prepare a custom legal strategy for you.
Outside of this, if you have been charged with a DUI and face the possible installation of an IID in your car, we can look for ways to protect you against a criminal conviction and the many penalties that can come with it.
When Do Cops Know if You Have an IID?
If a police officer pulls your car over, they may be able to see your ignition interlock device, which is usually mounted on or next to the steering column. Police officers may also be able to determine that you’re subject to an IID requirement by accessing applicable motor vehicle or driver records.
Police officers cannot pull your car over simply because you have an IID. However, they may stop your vehicle if they have reasonable suspicion that you committed a traffic violation or that criminal activity has occurred.
The Phoenix criminal defense lawyers at Suzuki Law Offices offer legal guidance and support to those who have been charged with driving under the influence. Depending on the situation, we can fight back against your DUI, and we may help you avoid having to install an IID in your car.
What Will Happen if the Police Pull Your Car Over and See an Ignition Interlock Device?
If the police pull your car over for speeding or another minor violation, seeing your ignition interlock device is unlikely to have any effect on the situation. The police won’t necessarily perform a breath test or a field sobriety test because they see your IID. Such investigative steps are based on the facts of your traffic stop and whether there’s reason to suspect impairment.
On the other hand, if a police officer suspects impairment, they may investigate or request alcohol testing as permitted by Arizona law. The officer may also inspect your vehicle or IID as appropriate. Tampering with or circumventing your IID can result in additional penalties, including an extension of the device requirement and, in some instances, prosecution.
The Suzuki Law Offices team is familiar with ignition interlock services in Arizona. We offer comprehensive legal guidance and support to those arrested for driving under the influence. In the aftermath of a DUI charge, we can explore many legal avenues to contest the prosecution’s case.
How Long Do You Have to Keep an Ignition Interlock Device in Your Car?
In Arizona, how long you have to keep an ignition interlock device in your car varies. The criminal defense attorneys at Suzuki Law Offices can detail the requirements for having an IID removed, such as:
- Time requirement: For many first-time offenses, an IID is required to remain installed for at least 12 months.
- Compliance: Some IID violations, such as tampering, missed or failed tests, or other violations reported to the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division (MVD), can extend your IID requirement.
- Official clearance: Before you take your IID out of your car, you should verify with the MVD that you’re eligible for removal.
If you are arrested at a DUI checkpoint in Arizona, a conviction can result in an ignition interlock requirement. The criminal defense lawyers at Suzuki Law Offices can help you deal with the ramifications of your arrest. We may craft an argument that leads to the reduction or dismissal of your criminal charges.
The Bottom Line on Whether Cops Will Know if You Have an Ignition Interlock Device
Police officers will know you have an ignition interlock device in your car when they review applicable motor vehicle or driver records or conduct a visual inspection of your vehicle. If you are worried that you’ll have to install this device in your vehicle following a DUI arrest, remember that you have access to legal help.
Suzuki Law Offices has former prosecutors on our team who stand up for our clients and protect their legal rights. Our team is available 24/7 to assist those who have been arrested for driving under the influence. We want to learn about your DUI arrest and explain the steps you can take to defend against a conviction.
Allow our criminal defense lawyers to represent and advocate for you in your DUI case. We can give you insights into whether the police will know about your ignition interlock device and other legal topics specific to your situation. Contact us today.
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